Chapter Text
“This is your nephew, Aegon.”
Aegon was too young to detect the hint of disdain in his mother’s voice. Too young to notice the defensive, defiant look Rhaenyra shot his mother, the way she clung protectively to the babe in her arms, the tightness in her shoulders.
Aegon’s eyes were wide with curiosity as he peered down at the small infant, mesmerized by the mess of midnight curls on top of his head and the big brown eyes that observed him with equal fascination.
He looked so different from his baby sister Helaena. His baby nephew's soft and warm features, so unlike his baby sister’s striking Targaryen looks, fascinated the young prince.
In an impulsive move, he reached out and poked his nephew between the eyes—harder than intended. The babe startled and released a high-pitched squeal.
Rhaenyra swiftly rose from the chaise lounge, removing the babe from Aegon’s reach. She didn’t look at her younger brother, her focus on the infant in her arms as she gently comforted him.
“Aegon, you have to be gentle,” Alicent admonished. “Like the way you’re with your sister.” To Rhaenyra, she added, “He didn’t mean to.”
Rhaenyra didn’t say a word. Lines were etched between her brows as she rocked her son in her arms.
“I’m sorry,” Aegon said and stepped towards his older sister. He was eager to show that he knew how to be gentle. However, he didn’t get a chance as his mother’s firm fingers curled around his tiny shoulder, holding him back.
“That’s enough, Aegon,” Alicent said and pulled him back. “The baby has to sleep. Come along now.”
Aegon didn’t wish to leave yet. He wanted to play with his baby brother; he wanted to feel what those ink-black curls felt like. He looked at Rhaenyra, who was now looking at him. The small, thin smile didn’t reach her tired, watery eyes.
Aegon felt compelled to apologize again, but he was dragged out by his mother before he could utter another word.